March 10, 2025

Mayor Ferrell Reads to Students for

Read Across America

Mayor Jim Ferrell made a special visit to Camelot Elementary School last week where he read books as part of the school’s Read Across America festivities. The Mayor read “We’re Going on a Book Hunt” to a class of kindergarteners before reading “If I Was a Banana” to third graders. He also explained to both classes what a mayor does and answered their questions.

Since 1998, Read Across America has taken place during the first week of March each year and is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. It is intended to promote reading and literacy, particularly among children, and often features guest readers in classrooms nationwide.

Thank you to Federal Way Public Schools for inviting the Mayor and our Councilmembers to contribute to the Read Across America activities in the district!

Mayor Ferrell Featured at Meet the

Mayors Event

Mayor Jim Ferrell joined Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton at a Q&A event on March 8 at Christ Lutheran Church. The Meet the Mayors event was hosted by the local branch of the American Association of University Women.

Residents of Federal Way and Des Moines gathered to hear updates on the two cities and had the chance to ask questions with each mayor. The futures of the two cities are linked as the incoming light rail stations at 272nd and The Commons are going to transform Federal Way and Des Moines.

Public Works Hosts Electronics and Document Shredding Event

The South King Tool Library was bustling with activity this past Saturday as residents came to drop off their small appliances and electronics. Our Drive-Thru Small Appliances and Electronics Recycling event made it easy and free for Federal Way residents to dispose of some items they may have had sitting around their houses in an environmentally-friendly manner—they didn’t even have to leave their cars to do so!

More than 330 cars came through the event and residents recycled more than 6000 lbs. of paper and 150 appliances and electronics.

Our Public Works outreach staff hosts regular recycling events throughout the year ranging from tires to mattresses. Keep your eyes on our Community Events page to find out when the next recycling event will be hosted in Federal Way. It's all part of our efforts to keep Federal Way green!

Brookdale Foundation House Ribbon Cutting Celebrates 25 Years

Brookdale Foundation House hosted a ribbon cutting on March 7 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The facility’s more than 160 residents gathered in the building's lobby with Mayor Jim Ferrell and Brookdale staff.

Brookdale Foundation House is a senior living community located near the intersection of 1st Ave. and 320th St. It offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services for its residents.

Communities in Schools of South King County Hosts Annual Breakfast

Communities in Schools (CIS) of South King County hosted its Annual Breakfast on March 7 at Evergreen Middle School. CIS does critical work in Federal Way Public Schools to help students achieve and excel. The event showcased some of the incredible students, past and present, that CIS has worked with to help put in positions to succeed.

CIS is a national organization that ensures every student, regardless of who they are, their ability, zip code, or socioeconomic background, has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond.

Mayor Ferrell and Councilmembers Attend Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Last week, Mayor Jim Ferrell attended the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the Performing Arts and Event Center along with members of the City Council. Seattle Seawolves COO Drew Dambreville was the featured speaker.

The Seattle Seawolves are an American professional rugby team that competes in Major League Rugby. Drew spoke about his role with the Seawolves, the rise of Major League Rugby, and the power of sports in a community.

City Council Presents Proclamation for Women’s History Month

At the March 4 Federal Way City Council Meeting, Mayor Jim Ferrell and the City Council presented a proclamation recognizing Women’s History Month. Council President Linda Kochmar and Councilmembers Lydia Assefa-Dawson and Susan Honda read the proclamation together.

They then presented the proclamation to Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce CEO Rebecca Martin and two daughters of former 30th District Representative Maryann Mitchell.

You can view the full proclamation on our website.

Featured Upcoming Event

St. Patrick's Day Flag Raising March 17

Join us for our St. Patrick's Day Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, March 17, at 12 p.m. at City Hall.

The event, organized by Craig Patrick, will feature Rich Finn of Vox Hiberniae and bagpipers Neil Hubbard and Steve Groom.

Mayor Jim Ferrell and members of the City Council will raise the flag, and two community members will be honored for their contributions to Federal Way.

FWPD Partners with SOUND on Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Teams

Recently, Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) officers combined with an important community partner, SOUND Behavioral Health, to produce an educational video regarding an emerging service in King County.

SOUND’s Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Teams (MRRCT) provide 24/7, community-based crisis intervention without law enforcement involvement. Staffed by mental health professionals and peer specialists, the teams use de-escalation techniques, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care to support individuals in distress. By prioritizing safety, dignity, and connection to services, MRRCT helps stabilize crises while reducing hospitalizations and incarceration.

On rare occasions where danger risks are elevated, police officers may co-respond. However, we expect the independent work of MRRCT will reduce the number of times Federal Way police officers respond to non-criminal behavioral health problems. 

The MRRCT may be requested by calling 988.

Volunteers Needed:

Storming the Sound with Salmon

April 22, 23, 29 & 30



Volunteers are needed to help at the Salmon Release Event at Brooklake Community Center where Federal Way students release salmon into the West Hylebos Creek and learn about different environmental topics from local organizations. If you are interested in volunteering, email SWM@Cityoffederalway.com.

Storming the Sound with Salmon is a partnership between the City of Federal Way and Federal Way Public Schools. As part of the program, Federal Way students raise Coho salmon in their classrooms, from egg to fry. The year-long program culminates in the Storming the Sound with Salmon Release Event, where students release their fry into Hylebos Creek.

March 4 City Council Meeting

Other Recent Meetings:

• March 4 City Council Special Meeting
• March 3 Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting
• Feb. 22 City Council Annual Retreat

What’s Next: The Federal Way City Council meets Tuesday, March 18, 2025, for a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

How to Attend: Attend in person at Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S. or watch live on Zoom, the City's YouTube channel, or FW Channel 21.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Native Plant Workshop April 5

Join us for a free, informative, and hands-on workshop on native plants on Saturday, April 5, from 2-4 p.m. at the South King Tool Library.

Learn how to incorporate native plants into your landscape, use electric or manual tools, and minimize hazardous waste from gas-powered equipment, herbicides, pesticides, and other contaminants.

Registration is required.



Parks Appreciation Day April 26

Join us for Parks Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.

We will be hosting volunteer events at three different locations, so grab your gloves and help with planting, weeding, and cleanup to make a lasting impact in our green spaces.

Plan to pitch in at one of the following sites:

• Site 1: Brooklake Blueberry Farm (726 S. 356th St.)
• Site 2: Steel Lake Annex (2645 S. 312th St.)
• Site 3: Celebration Park (1095 S. 324th St.)

Pre-register online if you plan to attend!

Monthly Park Clean Up Events in Federal Way Begin in March

Give back to your community by volunteering with Federal Way Parks in partnership with Washington Native Plant Stewards! Join us for monthly restoration projects where you’ll help remove invasive plants, plant native species, and enhance our natural areas.

Celebration Park meets on the first Friday of each month and Steel Lake Annex meets on the third Saturday of each month. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm, dress for the weather, and be ready to make a difference!

Sign Up & Learn More:

Spring CERT Basic Course Begins April 9

The Greater Federal Way Community Emergency Response Team will host its Spring CERT Basic Course Wednesday evenings from 5-8:30 p.m. from April 9 through June 4.

CERT teaches residents disaster preparedness and planning, first aid, use of fire extinguishers, and search and rescue.

Training is free! To sign up, email Sharon Green at sharon.green@federalwaywa.gov.

March of Diapers Drive March 22 at Twin Lakes Fred Meyer

Join us and non-profit Do the Right Thing at the Twin Lakes Fred Meyer (33702 21st Ave. S.W.) on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Councilmembers are teaming up with volunteers to collect donations of preemie to size six diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, and adult diapers for the benefit of local organizations.

For more information, call Do the Right Thing at 253-457-5578 or visit its website.

Repair Café Event March 29

Join us for our free Repair Café on Saturday, March 29, at the South King County Tool Library (1700 S. 340th St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your damaged furniture, broken small household items, dull knives, and torn clothing. Our fixers will do their best to make your items usable again.

Plan to stay during the repair, bring any manual/parts that may help, and be aware there is a limit of only three items for sharpening.

Coffee and Conversation with City Council and School Board on March 22

Join the Federal Way City Council and Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) School Board on Saturday, March 22, for Coffee and Conversation. The event will be held at Ebony & Ivory Coffee from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All members of the public are welcome to come and share a cup of coffee and conversation in this open house-style meeting.

Doors open at 10 a.m. for you to bring your questions, concerns, and thoughts for the Council and School Board to hear.

We will be collecting donations of personal hygiene items to restock the closet items at FWPS schools.

SAVE THE DATE: Senior Health and Resource Fair on May 15

The Senior Advisory Commission is hosting a free Senior Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Performing Arts and Event Center.

The event will feature more than 50 vendors from local organizations with special ties to the senior community. All ages – especially seniors – are welcome. Watch the video recap of last year's event for more information.

Marty Isenberg's Wes Anderson Playlist at the PAEC on March 21

Step into a world where jazz meets cinema as acclaimed bassist and composer Marty Isenberg takes the stage at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center on Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

Drawing inspiration from Wes Anderson’s films, Isenberg’s debut album, The Way I Feel Inside, is a masterful blend of sound and storytelling. Each track unfolds like a scene in a movie, exploring the emotions of wonder, nostalgia, and self-discovery.

Unfiltered Waters Podcast Live at the PAEC on March 25

Unfiltered Waters Podcast is all about getting to know the person beneath the athlete! Come listen to 12-time Olympic Medalist Ryan Lochte, two-time Olympic Medalist Elizabeth Beisel, and three-time Olympic Medalist Katie Hoff as they kick off the Men’s NCAA Swimming Championships with untold stories from their own NCAA experiences, predictions, insights and more at the Performing Arts and Event Center on March 25, at 5:30 p.m.

Get ready for exciting giveaways and special surprises. You never know who or what is going to show up!

PAEC Upcoming Events

The Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC) puts on a wide variety of events year round. Upcoming events include:

• March 21: Marty Isenberg's Wes Anderson Playlist
• March 22: FWYSO Spring Concert
• March 25: Unfiltered Waters Live
• April 5: Epic Queen
• April 13: Federal Way Symphony's Lose Yourself in Music

Visit the PAEC event calendar page for a full list of upcoming events.

Federal Way Symphony Season

Established in 1983, the Federal Way Symphony has provided our community with high-quality, professional music for more than 40 years.

Performances are held at the Performing Arts & Event Center. The Federal Way Symphony is currently inviting those interested to buy a ticket to attend performances for their current season, titled "Cosmic Melodies."

Visit the Federal Way Symphony website to view their full calendar listing and to purchase tickets.